Compare Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome - Northbound 2020 by Tauck vs Gourmet Food & Fine Wine Tuscany Tours by Alma Italia

Day 1 Welcome to Malta

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Phoenicia Malta. A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to The Phoenicia Malta. Rich in historic treasures, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century.  Join us tonight for a Tauck Exclusive welcome reception and dinner at your historic hotel overlooking Valletta's Grand Harbour.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Phoenicia Malta

PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta

Day 2 Explore Malta and embark Le Ponant

A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, perched atop a cliff; a drive around St. Julian’s Bay, a favorite setting for the colorful Maltese boats that are often photographed here for worldwide enjoyment; and a walking tour of Valletta and The Malta Experience, an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of Malta's 7,000-year history. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a virtual open-air museum of Baroque architecture; visit the splendid St. John's Co-Cathedral to see its silver and gold-leafed interior and rare art treasures, including the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Italian painter Caravaggio. Your newly refurbished small ship, Le Ponant, awaits in the Grand Harbour; set sail for Sicily tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta

Day 3 Antiquities at Siracusa & on Ortigia Island

Le Ponant docks at Ortigia Island this morning, lined with 18th- and 19th-century townhouses, for a visit to Siracusa on the Sicilian mainland. Drive to Neapolis Parco Archeologico to see the Teatro Greco, an ancient 15,000 seat theatre hewn out of rock, and Latomia del Paradiso, featuring the Ear of Dionysius, with your local guide. Crossing back to the Island of Ortigia, a walking tour includes the 6th-century Temple of Apollo – transformed over the centuries as a Byzantine church, a Muslim mosque and then a Norman church – and the Baroque Duomo. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon. This evening, join us onboard for the captain's welcome reception and dinner; sail tonight for Giardini-Naxos and Taormina. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Siracusa, Italy

Day 4 Cliff-top Taormina on Sicily

With Le Ponant docked in Giardini-Naxos, ride a Zodiac ashore to Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily, with Mt. Etna – the largest volcano in Europe, and still active – towering in the distance. A tour with a local guide takes you to the Teatro Greco, featuring both Greek and Roman elements, and for a stroll along the Corso Umberto, Old Town Taormina’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and pasticcerie. After returning to the ship for lunch (or staying in Taormina to have lunch as you please), enjoy some free time in the afternoon before Le Ponant departs, bound for Palermo.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

Day 5 Palermo, a private palazzo & more

Enjoy a pleasant morning's cruise aboard Le Ponant en route to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, once considered among Europe's grandest cities; your yacht will be docked in the heart of the city's pedestrian area. Join us for Palermo sightseeing that includes visits to a private residence, Palazzo Gangi di Valguarnera, and Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, the largest Opera House in Italy, as well as some time for exploring on your own. Return to Le Ponant at the end of the day for dinner; this evening, continue your cruise to Trapani.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Palermo, Italy

Day 6 Salt, wine & a private home

Anchor dockside in Trapani for a journey to nearby Spagnola, situated on the coast connecting Trapani and Marsala, to learn about the spectacular "Salt Route" – flanked by glittering ponds and salt mountains, where they still extract salt from the sea as the Arabs did centuries ago. Tour the small salt museum and enjoy its multimedia program about the culture of salt through the ages. You'll also visit a local well-known winery in Marsala for a cellar tour and tasting. On your way back to the ship in Trapani, stop at an 18th-century villa – the private home of the Baronessa Viva and her husband Peppe – to enjoy coffee and homemade sweets in their lovely garden. Rejoin Le Ponant in Trapani and cruise to the Aeolian Islands.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

Day 7 Lipari and a sail past Stromboli

The largest of the Aeolian Islands and noted for its colorful houses, Lipari sits on red volcanic rock and resembles “a wall of bronze,” according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found have yielded clues to civilizations which date to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ancient tombstones, and ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the castello (castle) and the 17th-century cathedral that is perched above the harbor. Join us for a guided walking tour of Lipari, then explore its renowned Archaeological Museum on your own. Return to the ship for lunch, or if you wish, spend some free time exploring and enjoy lunch as you please in town. Back aboard ship, as you head to the Amalfi Coast, experience a different view of these volcanic islands when you sail by the island of Stromboli, home to one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes – it has continuously erupted for 2,000 years. The view is unforgettable.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

Day 8 The spectacular Amalfi Coast

Today, Le Ponant calls on mainland Italy and the picturesque towns of Amalfi and Ravello on the fabled Amalfi Coast. Go ashore via Zodiac and explore the region on a guided walking tour of the town of Amalfi, and a drive along the dramatic Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, for a visit to Villa Rufolo. This beautifully restored castle boasts amazing architecture, a rich history dating back to a wealthy 13th-century merchant family, and outstanding coastal views; enjoy a lunch of seasonal specialties in Ravello, and time to explore on your own. During your final night aboard ship, join us for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner as Le Ponant heads for Naples.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy

Day 9 Herculaneum, Rome & the Vatican Museums

After disembarking Le Ponant in Naples, you'll embark on a fascinating excursion to the ruins of Herculaneum. The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD is infamous – and while the ruins of Pompeii are well known, the upscale city of Herculaneum, buried under ash that same day, is better preserved. An informative guided tour of the antiquities precedes your journey to Rome, where you'll spend two nights on the Via Veneto in the heart of the city. After settling into your hotel in the "Eternal City," depart for a special Tauck Exclusive – and a guaranteed highlight of your Italy cruise – an after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums! With a guide – and without the usual daytime crowds – you can explore the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery, the Tapestries, and the iconic Sistine Chapel, seeing them leisurely... a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Majestic Roma

PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy

Day 10 Glories of Rome

Join our guide for an overview of Rome’s landmark sights, including St. Peter’s Basilica and various sites from Rome's ancient Imperial days; keep your cameras handy. Spend the afternoon exploring Rome as you please, then share highlights of your extraordinary trip at tonight's farewell reception and dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hotel Majestic Roma

PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy

Day 11 Journey home

Tour ends: Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Hotel Majestic Roma to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino is included. You should allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy

Day 1:  Arrival

On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your new friends from Alma Italia. You can relax in the safety and security of a private transfer to your hotel. The next four nights you will be staying in a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Chianti Classico producing region. Spend the afternoon taking a swim in the stunning outdoor pool with a panoramic hilltop view overlooking the Chianti scenery, followed by sunset drinks on the terrace before dinner at the hotel. Bliss!

Vineyard sunset

Day 2: Chianti wine and olive oil tasting

Your local English speaking Alma Italia wine guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of the best wine tasting in Tuscany. Indulge your love of Italian food in Tuscany, and enjoy a full-day tour that combines a cooking class and wine tasting. Following the cooking class enjoy lunch at the estate tasting yet more wines and tasting local olive oils.

In the late afternoon visit the village of Fiesole, overlooking Florence admiring the view before driving down the hill to experience the Renaissance capital of Italy up close. The town and its surroundings are full of charm, character, and history. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in a trattoria in Florence adored by locals for generations paired with their wine suggestions.

Florence bridge

Day 3: Relaxing cycle through the Tuscan countryside

Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a morning bike ride – Our private rides are tailored to clients’ specific preferences and biking abilities . You’ll cycle at your own pace on peaceful country lanes, through an endless panorama of vineyards, olive groves and centuries-old stone farmhouses. Along the vineyard cycle route enjoy a morning tour and tasting, and you’ll also enjoy a truly delicious Tuscan lunch featuring local products and wine pairings in a stunning Tuscan wine

estate. Relax with private transfers back to your accommodation for a swim in the pool and time to soak up some early evening sun.

Vine bike Tuscany wine tours

Day 4: Explore Siena and the surrounding vineyards

Enjoy a slow morning with a late breakfast and time to relax and enjoy the panoramic outdoor pool with incredible Chianti vineyard views. For those who want to be pampered by different wellness treatments, the hotel offers a range of spa treatments. Private wine tours in Tuscany should be relaxing after all!

Your Alma Italia host and driver will arrive later to take you into Siena for the day! Siena, built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved walls, is filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and has one of the world’s most unique piazzas, Piazza dal Campo, dominated by the greatest Gothic building in Tuscany, the Palazzo Pubblico.

Siena Duomo Italy wine week

Day 5: Maremma – Tuscany by the sea

In the morning, relax as your private driver whisks you through the beautiful countryside to the Maremma coast in southern Tuscany. You will feel instantly renewed as you see the blue Mediterraean sea stretch out before you. We will stop on the way to visit an esteemed award winning up and coming vineyard run by 2 generations of the same Tuscan family. You will notice how the proximity to the sea impacts on the wine, so different to that of Chianti Classico but no less delicious! The Maremma is now widely regarded as one of the regions to experience the best wine tasting in Ital and is definately a highlight on our private wine tours in Tuscany

The next Four night’s accommodation will be in an elegant, historic and unique small hotel situated on Tuscany’s Argentario peninsula. A former island off the coast of Tuscany, now connected to the mainland via three narrow sandbars, Monte Argentario is a hidden beach paradise for those looking to mingle sea and mountain fun, all in one place. A special place where the Italian elite seeking out a hidden getaway enjoy the groves of Argentario’s coastline. The two restaurants (one of which is Michelin star) offer unique atmospheres, they share mouth-wateringly good traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, taste bud tingling vintages and stylish surroundings.

Tuscany wine tours

Day 6: Monte Argentario by private boat

A special day today as your Alma Italia guide takes you on a private boat for a day on the water to explore the coastline of Monte Argentario and Isola Giannutri, an incredible small island unspoiled and breathtaking in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Shaped like a half moon , the island of Giannutri will bedazzle you with its unique underwater world and the ruins of imposing Roman villas. It is a simply stunning place to explore and relax with a lunch on the island and swimming in the crystal clear waters to refresh yourself in the afternoon.

Monte Argentario by private boat Italy tours

Day 7: Port Ercole and Morellino di Scansano

A day to explore. Head to 16th century Forte Stella at Porto Ercole, built in the shape of a star and a remnant from the island’s former Spanish invaders. Take a walk along the high-end boutiques of Porto Ercole towards the ‘borgo antico’ or old part of the village, continue towards the ‘la rocca’ fortress for amazing views with lunch in the old town. Or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic Seaview from the pool.

In the afternoon we will continue our wine tasting Italy tour with a visit to vineyard in Morellino di Scansano, now one of the most popular appellations for local Tuscans who consider the small area as offering some of the best wine tasting in Tuscany.

Vineyard san Gimigiano

Day 8: Italian food and wine by the beach

Bike to the Beach!

Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of beaches, biking and of course, some of the best wine tasting in Italy. – Our private bike routes have optional extensions, so you can choose the perfect amount of biking to suit your ability. The ride takes you through medieval towns, beautiful vistas and ends at the Tyrrehnian sea with a swim along the way. Enjoy an amazing local lunch to end the trip – A wide range of local flavours ensure a stunning Tuscan lunch paired with wines in a memorable setting. Late afternoon (chauffeured) transfers back to your accommodation.

Tuscany wine tours

Day 9: Time to say Arrividerci

After a final breakfast in the hotel, relax with private transfers to the airport for your flight home.